Wedding Wednesday: What To Wear To A Spring Soiree

{ Via: Megan Hess }

Have you ever been to a wedding and looked around to see men without jackets or ties and women in Sunday shifts?  If you are attending a beach wedding, that might be fine and good enough. Most wedding receptions, however, with sit down dinners and bridal parties in tuxedos, beg for some dressing up! I consider it respecting the occasion.  Here's a collection of chic choices for all budgets.

HERE: 12 Party Perfect Picks

Maier Maxi

Femme with florals. A romantic silk dress with a beautiful shine from lurex. Do click the link to see a magnified view. Garden party perfect!

Free People 

All She Wants Midi

Shopping on a budget? Here you go...this dress is way under $75. Also available in black and white.

Lulu's 

Bernica Midi Dress

Garden party, anyone? A very full skirt of beautiful botanicals will have every eye on you. You don't have to tell them that your dress was reduced by 30%.

Ted Baker

Cape Sleeve Color Blocked Dress

A LBD is appropriate for so many occasions, but it is not always dressy enough for a reception. This look is. The cape takes it up a big notch. Love that it covers the arm, too.

Halston Heritage

Flutter Sleeve Dress

This Europa Pink sheath is a perfect pick for an afternoon affair. It dolls up as easy as it can be dialed down. it's just a smidge over $100.

Chico's

Gianvito Rossi Gala Satin Shoe

These shoes are made for dancing! Also available in a very glam gold.

Saks Fifth Avenue 

Costarellos Ruffled Blossom Lace Midi 

A dress that encompasses all of Spring trends - pretty in pink, embracing lace, statement sleeves. Beautiful for a guest or mother of the bride. So stunning!

Moda Operandi

Theia Ombre Chiffon Maxi

When you arrive in this, your dance card will be full! Chiffon is always fun for dancing.

Neiman Marcus  

$50 off $200 qualifying purchase with code INC50

Needle & Thread Garden Midi

The detail work on this dress is really special. I think it is party perfect! Find it at 

Neiman Marcus or ASOS 

Solange Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

Everything about this dress is chic, from the neckline to the statement sleeves, and the daring slit.  The best look you can get for less than $125

Nordstrom 

Jaeger Split Detail Long Satin Skirt & Sweater
The skirt is described as "Lavender Fog." Love the sound of that. This look is modern and laid back elegance. I liked the subtle detail to the skirt. Click the Skirt link to see it on the runway.
Skirt    Sweater  

Melinda Dress
Adrianna Papell’s maxi is subtle but stately. The painterly pattern is lovely, like a garden. In sizes 2 - 16 
Anthropologie


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Spring's Statement Styles

Hostess Gifts For All Of Spring's Soirees

Dinner parties, barbecues, passover, easter, Graduation parties and more call for a gift of gratitude. A bottle of wine or a bouquet of fresh flowers will always do, but they are hardly memorable. Why not make your gift shine above the rest? This roundup of perfect picks promises to get you a return invitation!

12 Perfect Presents

Pineapple Tumblers
Celebrate your host Tiki style!
Food52 

Monogram Playing Cards
For games people play. What a thoughtful gift. I know that I don't have one of these. Do you? The price is so right, too.
Southern Hospitality Company

Joanna Buchanan Cocktail Linens 

How chic and fun are these? A set of four in lovely linen is guaranteed to get you invited back again and again.

One Kings Lane

Veranda Entertaining by Clinton Smith
"Veranda" magazine's stunning new book is the ultimate source of inspiration for any entertainer. Your recipient will find tips for throwing sophisticated and stylish soirees big and small.
Amazon 

Porcelain Vase
This gift gives flower power! Make any bud beautiful with this personalized vase.
Mark and Graham

Artisan Board With Spreader
Asked to bring the cheese? Present it on this beautiful board. With or without food, this board is a beauty.
Neiman Marcus

Riedel O Series Martini Set
It's hard to find a better and more modern cocktail glass. But don't stop at drinks, they are perfect servers for ice cream, shrimp cocktail, chocolate mousse and more.
Barneys New York and Amazon

Chalkboard Placemats
Anyone with children will appreciate this clever choice. A fun find for a family gift.
Anthropologie

Courtly Check Enamel Herb Pots Set Of Three
If your host is cooking, chances are they use fresh herbs. I often by a herb plant at a farmers market, but they come in unattractive generic pots. These are perfect for the window sill, and come pleasantly packaged. 
MacKenzie-Childs 

Domino Tote
Illustrated by Caitlin McGauley, this terrific tote will come in handy for anyone. With new rules and charges on plastic bags, these days, why not bring your own? Your urban hostess, walks everywhere. This will be used for groceries, an extra pair of shoes, fresh flowers or puppies. 
Domino

Two Hearts Cooking Set
For the host and/or hostess that loves to cook.  Includes James Beard’s American Cookery and Joy of Cooking. Both books are brand new from the publisher.
AHAlife

Marble & Copper Monogram Boards
One of my faves of the edit. This is one chic hostess gift - with or without the cheese!
Williams Sonoma



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Time For Tea!

Saturdays At Shop This: Is It Spring Yet?

I missed checking in last Saturday. This birthday girl had things to do, subways to take, Brooklyn to see, and family to love! I really do enjoy "spilling the tea," like the girls above, with you on the weekends. In case you hadn't heard of this Southern expression, it means telling all of the scoop and gossip. This weekend's forecast calls for some Spring like weather. Maybe soon we can wear pretty pastels, and don our Easter bonnets after all.  Now for that tea......

I am excited to announce that Shop This is now working with Sabon. They offer an unparalleled range of exceptional bath and body products using time-honored remedies based on the finest natural ingredients. Sabon is a fabulous source for gifts!
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For my readers who appreciate a beautiful buy, I am also happy to be working with The Outnet. It was started by Net-a-Porter in 2009 and has become the most fashionable fashion outlet there is.
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I bought  these sneakers for walking in NYC. They proved to be on point and super comfy.
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Miss Shop This, after not seeing her Mom in in four months, asked if I had used any line fillers. I guess she was trying to make me feel younger. Though I am not sure that I see it, I have been using something new: Serious Skincare Firm A Face.  Maybe it is working.
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Hopefully you enjoyed the Bunnies and Baskets post.  Just today I discovered some fabulous Super Hero Bunnies at La Loba Studio on Etsy.  They are adorable and build confidence in our little ones. Don't miss them.
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Gifts Just For Her: A curated collection at One Kings Lane. Think, a candle in her favorite scent, a fab frame, a haute hammock & more 
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Have you noticed how bootcut leggings are hard to find? Because I don't think the narrow legging is flattering on myself, I prefer the bootcut. The Yummie by Heather Thompson, Jodi Bootcut is fabulous! Love mine. They elongate the leg, are super comfy, and made from a blend of cotton & 12% Spandex, so they hold you in.
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Spring Make Up Trends: Polished Nudes. Nordstrom has a great round up of Lip colors to love. Check out that Christian Louboutin  Loubilaque case!
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Day dreaming about barbecuing and alfresco dining? I know that you will love the break resistant Melamine Dinnerware at Squared NYC. Loving all of it but especially the Ruffled Collection in Pebble.
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I'll leave you with some wise words and a fashion edit from Jane Fonda. Be sure to scroll to the end to see an entertaining video of this interesting woman.
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I so hope that the weekend is your cup of tea. Enjoy!
XOXO
Deb
Shop This

Foodie Friday: Beautiful Brunch Bites

{ Via Ooh La Frou Frou }

We are in the midst of three Spring holidays - Easter, Greek Easter, and Passover. I just love it when we all celebrate together. The above events are centered around the love of food and family. Here's a roundup of 23 celebration-worthy recipes.

Raspberry Ricotta Croissant French Toast
You can't have a brunch without French Toast. This recipe is said to be easy and just delicious. 
Half Baked Harvest

Frozen Mimosas
When it comes to champagne, I am pretty much a purist. When it comes to entertaining, I like to break the rules. Even non drinkers won't be able to resist this frozen fantasy cocktail! 
How Sweet It Is

 Ham with Lemon-Honey Glaze

What a beautiful centerpiece! The glaze of lemon juice, honey, and shallots is a fabulous counterpoint to the rich and flavorful Ham.
Williams - Sonoma  

Bacon Blue Deviled Eggs With Roasted Garlic and Asparagus
I make deviled eggs for Mr. Shop This weekly. The eggs are never the same because that would just be boring. What I have not tried is stuffing them in the standing up position. 
How Sweet Eats

Rainbow Carrot & Tarragon Ricotta Tart
{ Vegan and Vegetarian }
I am not a carrot eater, but this colorful tart may change my mind. The rainbow carrots aren't easy to find. In Chicago, Eatily has them often. Almost too pretty to eat, right?
Cooking For Luv   

The Ultimate Moist, Fluffy, Ridiculous Coconut Cake
No Easter meal is complete without a Coconut cake. In my Childhood home, it was a Bunny Coconut Cake. This looks just like my Mom's. "The ultimate coconut cake. Perfect white cake is drizzled with coconut syrup, filled with rich coconut pastry cream, and slathered with coconut French meringue buttercream. If you love coconut, this one’s for you." And I do.
Willow Bird Baking

Meyer Lemon Chamomile Suzette Crepes with Greek Yogurt
Crepes are always special - sweet or savory. Does anyone remember The Magic Pan? I was gifted with a crepe pan by Miss Shop This. I think I will give this recipe a try for Easter.
Half Baked Harvest 

Easter Candy Cocktail Rim Sugar
I love the idea of a house cocktail or signature drink. My friend, Kelly, always has one awaiting her guests, and it is just so welcoming.  This rim sugar is a must for your Spring brunch.
Dell Cove Spices 

Easter No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
Love a recipe that calls for no baking! Then you know that you can make it ahead of time. The total time for making these cute cakes is 20 minutes! Isn't it just so pastel pretty?
Sugar Hero

Greek Easter Bread Tsoureki 
We had a Greek babysitter, Sophia. She was a special girl, and spent a day baking this tasty treat in my kitchen. The recipe is laden with symbolism and tradition, but it also tastes delightful. Those red eggs are fun!
Gourmet Traveller

Lemon Custard Tart
Who ever thought that custard could be cute? Few flavors are more springlike than lemon. This will be a star on the buffet table.
Saveur 

Frittata with Asparagus, Tomato, and Fontina
A recipe by Giada De Laurentiis. What a beautiful egg dish that can be made in 27 minutes. 
Food Network

Almond Pavlova with Strawberry-Rhubarb 

A baked meringue topped with fruit and whipped cream. Beautiful, right? This light as air dessert is named after the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova.
Williams-Sonoma

Minted Lamb Leg
I can't imagine lamb without mint, can you? This recipe had me at presentation. This is Spring on a platter!
Donna Hay 

Crispy Hash Brown Haystacks
{ Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free )
Everyone loves hash browns, but they are a bit of a pain to make. I mean who has time to stand over a hot stove for 30 minutes when company is coming? These are baked in muffin tins in the oven. Genius!
Minimalist Baker 

Asparagus and Egg Tart With Smoked Salmon
An impressive but simple dish that is made with a frozen puff pastry crust.
Living Lou 

Passover Bagels and Cream Cheese
This might be the prettiest bagel I have ever seen! Made with cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes and sprouts, I can only imagine how they look lined up on a platter. 
The Joy Of Kosher  

Easy Chocolate Creme Egg Martini
Anyone who loves a Cadbury Egg (and who doesn't?) will love this. I don't even like vodka, but I would drink this.
A Fork's Tale 

Passover Potato Kugel
"Kugel is a quintessentially Jewish dish that is best described as a baked pudding." If you haven't had it yet, you are missing out. This recipe is super easy.
Tori Avey 

Lemon Lavender Cupcakes
Lemon and lavender go together like Easter and bunnies. This is an easy recipe. That frosting technique, however, might take a bit of practice. Love the presentation!
The Cake Blog

Beet Tartar
How elegant! Earthy roasted beets are brightened by fresh orange zest and tangy balsamic. It's a clever appetizer for Easter or Passover. have you noticed how beets are a "thing" these days?
Saveur

Easter Cream Puffs
What a pretty platter of sweet treats! You better make extra. These will go fast.
Bakers Royale

Pickled Pink Eggs with Herbed Cheese
Are these not the prettiest little eggs you ever saw? I remember being served a similar dish at a restaurant named The Cottage. I couldn't believe my eyes. Your guests will be impressed.
Anthropologie Blog 

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